Tooting Bec 1's travelled to Merrow FC, near Guildford, to contest the first round of the League Cup. Having played Merrow already in the League we knew it would be a hard fought contest.

After 90 minutes and numerous chances for both sides, the score remained 0-0, a classic game of cup football!! The Bec unfortunately ended normal time with 10 men as M Allison had to go off injured after a gutsy 50/50 challenge and all subs had been used.

As it turned out, the fresh legs of S Allingham and the returning legend that is Tom Scriven meant that the Bec had the better chances in both halves of Extra Time but could not find that extra bit of quality in the final third. Therefore penalties.....

Both teams scored their first three penalties with Ali Simpson, Ash Allingham and Trapper Haynes all finishing well. Merrow then had their fourth penalty saved by the flying Man of the Match Dave Whyte. Steve Allingham subsequently forced his penalty in to make it 4-3 to the Bec with one penalty each to go.

Merrow converted their final spot kick to leave it to flying chest wannabe Chris Thurbonator to seal the victory. Up he strode like the proud Brummie that he is and hit it hard to the keepers right, unfortunately the keeper guessed right and made the save.......Onto sudden death.

Bec keeper Dave Whyte then made another tremendous stop down low to his left to give the Bec another shot at victory. Up stepped youngster Matt Hancock, fresh out of University, to take the kick. The home crowd of 3 men and a labrador cross were making a racket behind the goal but he cooly wrong footed the keeper to send the Bec through to the next round.

Next up in the Cup will be either NPL or Virginia Waters. Now to concentrate back on the League where we take on Balham Blazers in a Friday night special at our old friends Colliers Wood FC.